Verdict from the desk of Michael

By

Narjis Fatima

 A competition was held a year ago by SZABIST university, a story had to be written based on the picture above. Our respected Narjis Fatima participated and won the competition.

Congratulations Narjis. 

ENJOY!!!

The first ray of sunlight crept through a graceful slit in the arched red curtains, spreading the radiance and warmth in the room and creating a perfect picture of serenity. SNAP! The tranquility of the illusion was disrupted by the loud, obscene sound of the door slamming indicating that Michael had left for university- a cue for another world to embrace the complexities of life.

“Rise n’ shine, comrades! Come on…COME ON! Wake up you sleepy heads!” Marko yelled, stretching himself to a full height of 6 inches, a remarkable stature as compared to others. “Shut up, you black buffoon! Why do you keep harassing others?” Harry glared at Marko as he emerged from a dusty holder, his long brown hair still tousled as they swayed with the light breeze. “I don’t need a skinny, hairy paintbrush like you to tell me my place. Get it, Mr. ‘HAIRY’ Harry?” Marko chuckled at his own humor as he bellowed again for the other objects on the vast table to wake up. “Hey you…fat n’ ugly…Thesaurus baby! Wake up NOW!” Marko yelled causing the chubby Thesaurus to open one sleepy eye. “Leave my sister alone, you hideous black marker! She was working late with Michael on his project!” The Dictionary came hobbling, growling at Marko who stared back defiantly. “Who you calling hideous, fatso?” The Dictionary made a swipe at Marko’s cap but he quickly dodged the attack and laughed maniacally, mocking the book who was puffing with the effort. “Marko…!” Harry sighed as he led the angry marker away from the still fuming dictionary. “I’ll tear that rude book with its high n’ mighty attitude and…” Harry laughed lightly, “Look at his size…the sinewy muscles and look at you…the stick!” “I am better looking than you and much more muscular!” Marko stated defensively and Harry could only smile at the almost regular routine.        

A silent creak startled both friends and they craned their necks to locate the source of noise. The window was swinging back in a slow, almost irritating manner and suddenly two mesmerizing blue eyes popped above the sill as tiny, delicate hands clutched at the hanging latch in a desperate manner. The sparkle in the eyes was replaced by a beseeching look and Marko along with Harry hurried to drag the clenched hands. It was a rolled paper. A note was hung from its neck and Marko, with his usual impatience, quickly removed it and read it with Harry nudging him in the ribs to make space for him to study it too: 

To The Smart-tionary on The Desk of Michael:

The Elderly Council of Resources has decided that we, the best friends of Man, should now step in to save them from utter destruction, which he is unintentionally pursuing. Our messenger, Pippin is a blessed parchment and he has the ability to blow life into an illustration that is drawn on him. We hand you the responsibility of dragging Man out of this misery by deciding the best thing needed by Man and drawing it on Pippin before Michael returns.  The fate of Man rests in your hands, choose wisely!

P.S. Pippin has extraordinary powers but has lost his skill to speak so don’t bother considering him for a decision!  

Signed: The Expectant Elders

4 p.m. found Marko, Harry, Scarlet (the alluring red Picasso), Dictionary and the still sleepy Thesaurus mingled in a heated discussion while Pippin lay helplessly between them. “The humans NEED an undefeatable army. I say look at the news…almost everyday we hear that someone has blown a bomb or sprayed bullets…” Marko was arguing his cause with vigor. “Monsieur Marko! Your idea sends shivers down my spine. Man is now divided into segments…” “Countries, Mademoiselle! Countries! Not segments!” Scarlet glared at Dictionary and continued her speech, ignoring the fat book, “Hmm…Man had created segments and is not united. This indestructible army goes to whom? Whichever country you have in mind could turn the power of such a dangerous militia for its own purpose, thus creating war which we are specifically trying to avoid!” Marko nodded his head, cursing humans in a low voice. “Humans will appreciate a much more beautiful world. Beauty induces peace and I can paint lovely landscapes with azure oceans, foaming seas, white sands and majestic mountains…all under the enchanting canopy of the blue sky with…” “Shut up, Harry! When Earth was created it was very beautiful! Remember when Michael returned from the hiking trip, he was chattering non-stop about the glaciers and the serenity of the Swiss Alps? You are so ignorant! This pollution and this disease of global warming have destroyed all charms of this land and it will also shred your painting in the smoke of industries!” Marko paused for a breath. “Hear, hear!” The Dictionary smiled, “And global warming is not a disease…” “Stop it! You can correct us all later! Messieurs and Mademoiselle Thesaurus, I think that we should give humans lots and lots and…” Scarlet begun and Marko doubled with laughter “You mean to say ‘never-ending’!” Scarlet made a face, “Whatever! We should give them lots of money!” At last Thesaurus spoke up, “Madame Scarlet! Money only grieves Man more! It will spark his already materialistic nature and his indulgence in this temporary world would make him forget his ever-lasting life and his Creator. Money does destroy the soul of Man!” A vast silence reigned at Thesaurus’s statement and finally Dictionary said slowly, “Well…I think we need a rope…a uniting factor between the humans to bind them together!” “And what will this factor be? There is a LOT of diversity between Man now. His religion, his ethics and morals, his ideologies, his culture…all are very different! How would you create a bond between this race? There is nothing common left between them now!” Thesaurus contradicted her brother and they all fell silent again. “What an irony! We have a wondrous power in our grasp… and yet we don’t even have a single clue as to what should be our approach! I feel like a snob kid who has everything he can imagine and still is purposeless and aimless in life!” Marko sighed and the others too lowered their heads in dismay.

The Elderly Council of Resources smiled when they saw Pippin hurrying towards them. Their beams slid from their faces when they saw three big question marks on Pippin. The Smart-tionary had countered the same helplessness when deciding the destiny of humans.  The verdict from Michael’s table had sealed the providence of Man.